Community Partners

Are you looking for ways to encourage the people you serve to pursue education after high school? Work schedules, families and other obligations can make college seem out of reach, but Oklahoma colleges and universities offer a wide variety of programs and services for students who need special assistance and support.

A college degree can truly change a person’s life. In fact, a college graduate will make about $1 million more in a lifetime than a high school graduate. That earning potential can open doors to home ownership, retirement planning and other critical elements of asset building. Beyond income level, there are other benefits to earning a degree, including:

• Greater job search success.
• Better opportunities for career advancement.
• An enriched knowledge base and new perspective for work and life.
• Access to new educational opportunities, such as obtaining an advanced degree.

So how can your clients afford to make it happen? The key is financial aid, and the first step to securing federal aid is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. Forms are available at college or university financial aid offices or online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

Educating Families about the FAFSA

It's a common misconception that financial aid is too hard to get or isn't available for adults returning to college or entering college for the first time. Financial assistance is available in many forms, including grants, scholarships, work-study and student loans, and ranges from government aid to industry-specific aid.

We know that talking to your service clients about the FAFSA may seem intimidating, so we're happy to share a new tool specifically designed to simplify FAFSA education efforts!

FAFSA Fundamentals

This course, which includes a PowerPoint presentation with speaker notes, a Presenter's Guide and participant handouts, covers the basics of the financial aid application process. It’s designed to provide an overview and essential understanding of the purpose and process of completing and submitting the FAFSA, answering many of the frequently asked questions by students and parents. 

• PowerPoint Presentation
• Presenter's Guide
• Dependency Questionnaire
• FAFSA FAQs

Oklahoma's Student Portal

Do you work with middle school or high school students? Encourage them to set up an account at OkCollegeStart.org to take advantage of free college planning information and resources. Students can explore colleges and careers, take practice ACT and SAT exams and submit admission applications and transcripts online!

Saving for College

The Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan is a smart, tax-advantaged way for families to save for a child's higher education costs. The program offers great tax advantages including an Oklahoma tax deduction, a choice of investment options and the flexibility to use the savings at thousands of higher education institutions in the United States and abroad. For more information, direct students and parents to call 877.OK.4.SAVING (toll-free) or visit Ok4Saving.org.

Back to School for Adults

Higher education really isn't just for kids. Adults can also increase their earning potential and job security by completing a degree. Jobs, family and other obligations can make it difficult to go back to college, but Oklahoma's universities have expanded programs to fit into an adult's busy life. The Reach Higher program is a second chance to finish that degree - while keeping a normal routine, maintaining normal work hours and making time for family. Learn more at ReachHigherOklahoma.org.

Check out these helpful materials!